WHITBY -- The kind messages in a book of condolences at the Abilities Centre in Whitby illustrate the high regard in which Jim Flaherty was held by members and staff.
“I feel so bad for his family,” said member Kim Dowsley.
Mr. Flaherty, the Whitby-Oshawa MP and former provincial finance minister, died Thursday at 64 of a reported heart attack at his Ottawa residence.
Messages of sadness and support for his family have been coming in from around the country, and they continue to pour onto the pages of a book set up at the Abilities Centre. Members are referring to Mr. Flaherty as ‘a remarkable man,’ ‘a caring Canadian’ and a ‘wonderful servant.’
Ms. Dowsley said she likes “everything about” the abilities centre, a fully accessible recreation complex in Whitby that welcomes all people, with or without disabilities, and one that Mr. Flaherty had a big part in creating.
The centre offers dozens of arts, fitness and sports programs and features a theatre, music room, sensory room, library, life skills apartment, rock climbing wall, basketball courts, fitness room and weight room.
Mr. Flaherty and his wife, Whitby-Oshawa MPP Christine Elliott, have a son, John, who has a developmental disability after suffering brain damage as a baby. The couple saw the facility through its planning stages 15 years ago to becoming a reality in June 2012.
Leo Plue, executive director at the Abilities Centre, was too distraught for an interview on Saturday, but he did tell Whitby This Week earlier that it was Mr. Flaherty’s idea to have a place where everyone could come together, regardless of their ability.
“This will be his legacy,” Mr. Plue said. “He loved coming here and seeing people of a variety of abilities all participating. He loved talking to the members ... when he came here he wasn’t Minister Flaherty. He would tell people, call me Jim.”
Many members are well aware of Mr. Flaherty’s role in creating the welcoming complex.
“They should name this place the Jim Flaherty Abilities Centre,” said member Brian McCormack, who added the centre is very friendly and welcoming. Mr. McCormack said he likes the whole concept of helping people with both mental and physical challenges.
“He was right in tune with needs, with people with disabilities,” he said. “Christine is the same way.”
The fact that Mr. Flaherty addressed the needs of all people with disabilities, rather than simply focusing on his son, brought member Janice Wheeler to tears.
“He realized if he has a need, he has to help others in the community as well,” she said.
Ms. Wheeler said she’ll miss seeing Mr. Flaherty’s smiling face on the Christmas card her family looks forward to every year.</body>